MEG

An Introduction to Methods

Edited by Peter Hansen, Morten Kringelbach, and Riitta Salmelin

The leading researchers provide the basic tools for planning and executing MEG experiments, as well as analyzing and interpreting the resulting data.

An in-depth review of MEG methodology that provides a complete reference source for those interested in exploring or already using MEG.

MEG

An Introduction to Methods

Edited by Peter Hansen, Morten Kringelbach, and Riitta Salmelin

Description

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is an exciting brain imaging technology that allows real-time tracking of neural activity, making it an invaluable tool for advancing our understanding of brain function. In this comprehensive introduction to MEG, Peter Hansen, Morten Kringelbach, and Riitta Salmelin have brought together the leading researchers to provide the basic tools for planning and executing MEG experiments, as well as analyzing and interpreting the resulting data. Chapters on the basics describe the fundamentals of MEG and its instrumentation, and provide guidelines for designing experiments and performing successful measurements. Chapters on data analysis present it in detail, from general concepts and assumptions to analysis of evoked responses and oscillatory
background activity. Chapters on solutions propose potential solutions to the inverse problem using techniques such as minimum norm estimates, spatial filters and beamformers. Chapters on combinations elucidate how MEG can be used to complement other neuroimaging techniques. Chapters on applications provide practical examples of how to use MEG to study sensory processing and cognitive tasks, and how MEG can be used in a clinical setting. These chapters form a complete basic reference source for those interested in exploring or already using MEG that will hopefully inspire them to try to develop new, exciting approaches to designing and analyzing their own studies. This book will be a valuable resource for researchers from diverse fields, including neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience,
medical imaging, computer modelling, as well as for clinical practitioners.

MEG

An Introduction to Methods

Edited by Peter Hansen, Morten Kringelbach, and Riitta Salmelin

Author Information

Peter C. Hansen, DPhil, is the Director of Neuroinformatics at the Birmingham University Imaging Centre (BUIC) and Senior Research Fellow in the School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK.

Morten L. Kringelbach, DPhil, is the Director of Hedonia: Trygfonden Research Group and holds a dual appointment at the University of Oxford, UK, and Aarhus University, Denmark, where he is a Senior Research Fellow and a Professor of Neuroscience, respectively.

Riitta Salmelin, DSc (Tech), is Academy Professor at the Brain Research Unit, Low Temperature Laboratory, Helsinki University of Technology, Finland.

MEG

An Introduction to Methods

Edited by Peter Hansen, Morten Kringelbach, and Riitta Salmelin

Reviews and Awards

"In combination with EEG and MR-based cortical reconstruction, MEG has considerably improved in the past ten years to become very close to the brain imager's long-awaited ideal-a non-invasive method capable of reconstructing human brain activity in both time and space. In this impressive volume, suitable for both beginners as well as advanced users, MEG methodology is reviewed in great depth. Any neuroscientist who wishes to use this underexploited brain-imaging method, or simply to better understand the power and limitations of published MEG papers, should study this book-clearly a landmark in the field."
--Stanislas Dehaene, Member, French Academy of Sciences, Professor, Collège de France, Directeur, INSERM

"Users of the increasingly popular technique of magnetoencephalography will welcome this excellent introductory guide to non-invasive imaging of the dynamics of the brain. The clear, tutorial style, plugs a major gap in the literature of MEG by providing a comprehensive overview of theory, data acquisition and analysis using state-of-the-art techniques. Clinicians and scientists will both find this is a useful reference text as well as of value in training programmes."
--Gary Green, Director, York Neuroimaging Centre, UK

"An essential reference for MEG researchers and a crucial resource for cognitive neuroscientists and clinicians contemplating MEG experiments or evaluating the MEG literature. Expert, comprehensive and deep, this volume fills a long-recognized void. The book clearly and convincingly answers the question, 'why MEG?,' as well as providing the best 'how-to-MEG' manual currently available."
--Alec Marantz, Professor of Linguistics and Psychology, New York University

"The capability of MEG to combine the temporal resolution of electrophysiology with reasonable spatial localization power is extremely useful - but not sufficiently appreciated. The ambitious goal of this first-rate collection of how-to articles on MEG experimentation is to provide readers with the necessary background and expertise to understand the underpinnings of MEG and execute a state-of-the-art study. The aim is admirably met; one wishes this book had existed for the last ten years! The careful technical descriptions combined with extensive documentation and rich graphical illustrations provide a compelling guide to implementing MEG research, with a particular emphasis on source localization. The contributors are the recognized experts in this area. Undoubtedly,
the volume will facilitate the increased use of the method in basic and clinical settings and be the definitive guide to using MEG across research areas."
--David Poeppel, Professor of Psychology and Neural Science, NYU

"An outstanding introduction to the science of magnetoencephalography (MEG), written by some of the world's experts in the field. It covers a wide range of topics from sensory and motor functions to language and cognitive science, and includes clinical topics as well. Different analysis techniques are carefully discussed. The book provides a competent overview of this expanding field of neuroimaging, which is the best by far in terms of temporal resolution. Some chapters also describe approaches combining MEG with other imaging techniques, such as MRI, PET or EEG, which may be the future. Overall, the book is a great introduction for the novice and exciting to read for the expert as well."
--Josef P. Rauschecker, Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, Neurology and Psychology
Georgetown University Medical Center